Once upon a time, selling my book was the giant, unlikely goal. Now that publication is imminent, I have been casting about for something to pursue. Something big, with improbable odds.
During a recent lunch with super-duper throwing coach and strength author Dan John, I had a flash of an impulse of an idea of a notion. No, just no, I thought. Impossible, I thought. Sacrebleu! thought the part of me that has been studying French.
Anyway, once I start wondering if something is possible, I usually can’t let go of the idea until I find out. So two days later Dan had offered to coach me in the shot put, with the goal of qualifying for 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
First things first: no disrespect to Danny Boyle and the dancing chimney sweeps of the 2012 opening ceremonies, but can you even begin to picture how sexy a Brazilian opening ceremonies is going to be?
We should go.
Now, I’m aware that this plan might very well be a shining example of the most grotesque hubris. Oh well, I still want to try. It’s not like I’m saying, “I’m going to be a gymnast in four years,” or “I’m going to be snatching triple bodyweight within four years.”
I’m saying:
I’m already doing a lot of throwing for my Highland Games training, I have a throwing coach who will help me with technique, and I’m never lacking for motivation when it comes to big goals.
Right now, I need to add roughly 25 feet to my total in order to qualify. I will have to do that at a qualifying meet, probably early in 2016. So I need to add a few feet each year between now and then.
I think it’s possible. I have a good base of strength and I’m built like a thrower. And I train obsessively.
It might not be possible, but so what? Too many worthwhile endeavors never get embarked upon because people wring their hands and fret about the odds so badly that they never get moving.
I’m going to find out. Friday morning I’ll be stepping into a throwing ring with Dan for the first time.
Start putting the money from your couches into a piggy bank. I think we should descend upon Brazil en masse.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Do it! Just stumbled on your blog. As someone who likes the cerebral side of life as much as the physical, I love the blog!
I know nothing about throwing, but it seems like (relative to endurance sports, for example) you should be able to get a pretty good idea of your odds after a fairly short period of serious training!
We shall see, and welcome.
I know about as much about throwing as you do, but I’m strong, so that’s what I’m most curious about–how far behind the curve will I be?
This will be very fun to watch, not to mention inspiring. Too often we set goals that are too small.
Thanks Don. I think it will be a fun project. I do better when there’s something way, way out on the horizon.
That’s an awesome goal. Be prepared for many of the negatives to put you down, but I say it’s awesome. You never know if you don’t try.
Now that’s an Olympics I would go to!
Good luck!
Thanks Ara.
=) Excellent plan, do come!
Rio is an AWESOME city, you’re absolutely going to love it. I’m back in São Paulo now, but I lived in Rio for three and a half years and it is a fantastic place.
I’m thinking about translating at the Olympics, since I’m no good in sports but fluent in many languages, so see you in less than four years!
Ok, it’s settled.
Not an expert on throwing coaches, but I’ve never heard of this Dan Dohn guy … Dan John on the other hand would be well-known throwing and strength coach that recently moved back to Utah … coincidence?
Crap! Good catch.